Public Construction FAQs

I see something in the work zone that is not safe, who should I call?

Please call Public Works right away. In the event of an extreme emergency, please call 911.

The road is all dug up; will we still have street cleaning?

Street cleaning vehicles will do their best to clean the areas around the work zone. It is the responsibility of the contractor to make sure that the areas inside the work zone are cleaned. If street cleaning is cancelled, you will receive a notice from a community relations representative.

How do I get my trash and recycling out to the curb while crews are working in front of my house?

On trash and recycling pick up days, the contractor is responsible for making sure that trash and recycling trucks have access to your receptacles.

Where can I find more information public park renovations?

Please call 617-349-4871.

How can I get more involved in my neighborhood project?

Public Works is always seeking block captains to serve as a liaison between the residents/businesses on your street and the project team. Please call 617-349-4870 or 617-349-4825 for more information.

Who is responsible for snow removal during the winter season?

Residents are still responsible for clearing snow from their sidewalks during the winter season. If any temporary fencing is utilized in the work zone, the contractor will remove the snow in adjacent areas.

How can I receive updates about construction in my neighborhood?

If you would like to receive periodic updates on construction projects, please call 617-349-4870 or 617-349-4825 to be added to the distribution list. Any resident or business inside a project work zone will receive a hard copy notification about construction activity in the neighborhood.

What are the general work hours?

The general work hours are from 7am-4pm, Monday through Friday. If any night or weekend work is scheduled, residents and businesses in the area will be notified.

What will happen to on street parking during construction?

During construction, the contractor may need to utilize on-street parking spaces in order to complete the work in an efficient manner. It is mandatory that the contractor post “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours in advance. Please be sure to check dates and times.

Will construction continue on holidays?

Construction will not take place on the following holidays: Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November), Christmas Day (December 25), and New Year’s Day (Jan 1). Crews are permitted to work on all other holidays.

Will I be able to get out of my driveway or walk down the street during construction?

If any work is scheduled to be performed directly in front of your driveway, the contractor will notify you directly regarding the accessibility timeline. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. if you live on a road that has a bicycle lane, the contractor will try to maintain a bicycle lane around the work zone. If that is not possible, crews will post signage in the area to alert cyclists that the bicycle lane ends and to alert motorists that they should "Share the Road" with cyclists.

The noise coming from construction is too loud. Is this legal?

Construction noise that is audible a distance of 50 feet from the lot line is not allowed from 6 p.m. until 7a.m. weekdays (9 a.m. on Saturdays and Holidays). Construction work on Sunday is not permitted unless approval is obtained from the Police Department. If the responding police unit determines that construction-related noise is occurring outside permitted hours, the police unit will take necessary action to ensure work is stopped during the restricted hours. Additionally, the ECC dispatcher will send an e-mail to the Inspectional Services Department with the details of the incident, so they may investigate further and take additional action as may be appropriate.